FAQ: Parents in the Water with Babies, But Not Children
Why include parents in the water for baby lessons, but not in children’s classes? At SwimWay, we believe that building confidence and independence in the water begins at the very start of a child’s swimming journey. That’s why we carefully consider the role of parents and guardians in our lessons. We ensure our approach meets the needs of babies, toddlers, and older children at every age and stage.
Comfortable & Easy Transition for Babies
Our parent & baby swimming lessons include a parent or guardian in the water alongside their baby. This creates a comfortable environment where the baby can experience the water close to someone they know and trust. Being in a familiar set of arms helps ease the transition into water-based activities, helping babies feel safe and secure. It’s also a great way to establish a positive, healthy relationship with the water early on. Thus setting the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.
Bonding & Support in Parent & Baby Lessons
These sessions are not just about learning to swim, but also about deepening the connection between adult and child. The water provides a unique setting for bonding. Here, parents can actively support and witness their baby’s progress. This shared experience can be a source of pride and joy for parents, knowing they’re helping their baby build confidence in the water.
Additionally, the presence of a parent in the water helps babies progress faster. They feel secure enough to explore and engage with the water, all while under the care of someone they trust. This added layer of comfort also supports the development of early swimming skills and techniques in a fun, safe way.
Independence & Confidence for Older Children
As children grow, however, it becomes increasingly important for them to develop their own confidence in the water without relying on the physical presence of a parent. That’s why our children’s lessons (1:1 and 1:2 or group classes) are designed with the aim of fostering independence. Here, they interact with the instructor and navigate the water themselves. They develop trust in their own abilities. They also strengthen their connection with the instructor, who is there to guide, encourage, and teach them.
Parents are typically not in the water for children’s classes. This allows the child to focus on the teacher and the lesson. However, there are times when a parent may be invited into the water for one or two lessons to assist. This is usually with younger, beginner-level children, too nervous to enter the water on their own for the first time. This is done only when the instructor deems it necessary and is always guided by them.
The Importance of Safety
Safety is our top priority at SwimWay. We know it’s a big step for parents to bring their baby or child near water. Having parents in the water during parent & baby lessons reassures both baby and parent, building water confidence from the start while highlighting the importance of water safety. As children grow older, our instructors take over the safety role, teaching children to trust themselves in the water, while ensuring they are supported as they develop essential swimming and water safety skills.
Tailored Lessons for All Ages
We offer small group parent & baby swimming lessons in warm, private pools, designed for babies aged 3 to 36 months. These 30-minute sessions are not only safe but provide the ideal environment for babies to begin their swimming journey alongside their parents.
For older children, our small group and 1:1 or 1:2 lessons offer the perfect environment for developing independence and refining technique, all under the watchful eye of our experienced instructors.
For children looking to take their swimming to the next level, our advanced pre-club lessons are designed to build on existing skills and refine technique. These sessions focus on preparing swimmers for competitive environments, working on stamina, speed, and advanced techniques, ensuring they’re ready to take the plunge into a swim club or competitive swimming.